One of my users asked what the difference between the plugin CURL functions and the new insert from URL Script step is. Well, basically the insert URL script step can do a specific thing which is getting data from an URL and putting it into a media field. If you just need this, you are fine, but if you need a little different feature, you should check our plugin. Like if you need some proxy settings or pass a cookie or some advanced credentials. Also if you use SSL, you should try the plugin as it can verify the peer using a certificate. Encrypting the data without making sure there is no attacker listening doesn't make much sense. Finally you may want to show progress while download and allow the user to cancel?
Our feature comparison:

Feature

Insert URL Script Step

MBS Filemaker Plugin

FTP and FTPS Protocols

Download

Download & Upload

HTTP and HTTP Protocols

Download

Download & Upload

File Protocol

Download

Download & Upload

Verify Certificate and Host for SSL connections

no

yes

Proxy Settings

no

yes

SFTP Protocol (File Transfer over SSH)

no

yes

FTP Directory Listings

yes

yes

Delete File

no

yes

Background transfers

no

yes

Cookie support

no

yes

Authentication (username/password for FTP/HTTP)

only within URL

yes

Reuse same connection

no

yes

Read/Write Data to file/variable

no

yes

Fill and send forms

no

yes

Use custom timeouts

no

yes

Follow redirects

no

yes

Speed limit / statistics

no

yes

Show progress and cancel download

no

yes

In our tests a ftp download using login/password worked with the insert URL script. Even ftp directory listings seem to work. Of course for advanced operations like renaming your file after upload or deleting a file, you need the plugin. Also if you want to follow redirects or you need to send special headers including cookie string.

Hi, is there a way to GetResultAsGif?
I have tried the native FM12 “Insert from URL” script, but if the link is broken, it automatically adds an “image.html” to the container field. I could probably get around this in some way, but I would like to make it with the MBS plug-in instead, since it seems to be much faster when looing for instance.
But how can I get a GIF-image from an URL with MBS?
GetResultAsData does not work.Astrid Helgesen - 19 01 13 - 17:01